Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes on a court similar to a badminton court. The sport is easy to learn, fun to play, and suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. But how did pickleball get its name? And what does it have to do with a dog?
What Is Pickleball and Why Is it So Popular?
Pickleball is a racket/paddle sport that can be played as singles or doubles. The pickleball court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, divided by a 34-inch-high net. The paddles are solid-faced and slightly larger than table tennis paddles. The ball is perforated and hollow, similar to a whiffle ball.
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by three friends who wanted to entertain their bored children on a rainy day. They improvised with ping pong paddles and a perforated ball on an old badminton court in their backyard. They made up the rules as they went along, and soon they had a new game that everyone enjoyed.
Pickleball has since grown into one of the fastest-growing sports in America and around the world. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), more than 36.5 million people played pickleball from August 2021 to August 2022. The sport has also attracted the attention and investment of celebrities like LeBron James, Tom Brady, Kevin Durant, and Patrick Mahomes.
Some of the reasons why pickleball is so popular are:
- It is easy to learn and play. Anyone can pick up a paddle and start playing in minutes.
- It is social and fun. Pickleball is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and have fun.
- It is inexpensive and accessible. Pickleball does not require expensive equipment or facilities. You can play it on any flat surface with a net, a paddle, and a ball.
- It is good for your health and fitness. Pickleball provides a low-impact workout that improves your cardiovascular health, strength, balance, coordination, and mental well-being.
The Origin of Pickleball: How Three Friends Created a New Sport in Their Backyard
The story of how pickleball was invented goes back to the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington state. Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington state; Bill Bell, a successful businessman; and Barney McCallum, an engineer; were neighbors and friends who liked to play golf together.
One Saturday after playing golf, they returned to Pritchard’s home to find their families sitting around with nothing to do. The property had an old badminton court, so they decided to look for some badminton equipment. However, they could not find a full set of rackets or shuttlecocks.
They improvised with what they had: ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. They lowered the net to 36 inches and started hitting the ball back and forth over the net. They soon realized that the ball bounced well on the asphalt surface and that they had created a new game that was fun for both adults and children.
They continued to play and refine the game over the next few days. They borrowed some elements from tennis, badminton, and ping pong. They established rules such as serving underhand, scoring by side-out only (meaning only the serving team can score), playing until 11 points with a two-point margin of victory, allowing only one bounce per side before volleying (except in the non-volley zone or “the kitchen”), etc.
They also invited other friends and neighbors to join them in playing the new game. One of them was David Lester, who later became the first pickleball champion in 1976.
The Mystery of The Name: The Conflicting Stories Behind The Pickleball Moniker
One of the most intriguing questions about pickleball is how it got its name. There are two conflicting stories that have been told by the founders of the sport over the years. One involves a dog named Pickles; the other involves a boat named Pickle.
The dog story
According to this version of the story, pickleball was named after Pickles, a cocker spaniel who belonged to the Pritchard family. Pickles was adopted by Joel Pritchard’s daughter Peggy and her neighbor Jim Brown from another neighbor who was giving away puppies for free.
Pickles loved to chase after the plastic ball whenever it went out of bounds or landed on his side of the net. He would pick up the ball in his mouth and run away with it, making it hard for the players to continue their game.
The McCallum family (Barney McCallum and his son David) and the Brown family (Dick Brown and his son Jim) claim that they remember the exact night when they named the game after Pickles. They say they were sitting in the living room of the Pritchard cabin and came up with the name pickleball as a joke. They also say they cheered with excitement at the revelation of this funny name for their new game.
The boat story
According to this version of the story, pickleball was named after pickle boats, which are the last boats to return with their catch after a day of fishing. The term pickle boat also refers to a type of rowing boat that is made up of leftover oarsmen from other boats.
Joel Pritchard’s wife Joan, who was a competitive rower in her youth, came up with the name pickleball because it reminded her of the pickle boat concept. She thought that the game was similar to a pickle boat because it used leftover equipment from other sports.
Joan Pritchard herself wrote this explanation in a newspaper article in 1976. She also denied that the game was named after Pickles the dog, saying that Pickles was adopted a year after the game was invented and that he was not interested in the ball at all.
The Truth About The Dog: How a Cocker Spaniel Named Pickles Became Associated With The Sport
So, which story is true? Was pickleball named after a dog or a boat? The answer is not clear-cut, as both stories have some evidence and some contradictions.
The dog story seems to be more popular and widely accepted by many pickleball players and fans. It is also more humorous and memorable than the boat story. However, it also has some flaws and inconsistencies.
For example, some sources say that Pickles was adopted in 1966, not 1965, which would mean that he was not around when the game was invented. Some sources also say that Pickles was not a cocker spaniel, but a mixed breed collie. Some sources also say that Pickles was not interested in the ball at all, and that he preferred to chase squirrels and rabbits.
The boat story seems to be more credible and supported by official records. It is also more logical and consistent than the dog story. However, it also has some drawbacks and challenges.
For example, some sources say that Joan Pritchard did not come up with the name pickleball until 1967, not 1965, which would mean that the game was nameless for two years. Some sources also say that Joan Pritchard did not row in pickle boats, but in regular boats. Some sources also say that pickle boats are not related to fishing boats, but to sailing boats.
The truth is that there is no definitive answer to how pickleball got its name. It is possible that both stories have some elements of truth and some elements of fiction. It is possible that both stories were influenced by personal memories, biases, and preferences. It is possible that both stories were embellished or distorted over time.
What is certain is that pickleball is a sport that has a rich and fascinating, and a name that reflects its quirky and fun nature.
Conclusion
Pickleball has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1965. It has evolved from a backyard game to a national sport to an international phenomenon. It has attracted millions of players and fans from all walks of life and all corners of the world. It has inspired countless tournaments, clubs, leagues, associations, businesses, media outlets, celebrities, and enthusiasts.
Pickleball has also left a lasting legacy on the world of sports and culture. It has introduced a new way of playing and enjoying racquet sports. It has promoted physical activity, social interaction, mental health, and community spirit. It has challenged stereotypes, barriers, and boundaries. It has celebrated diversity, inclusion, and innovation.
Pickleball has a bright future ahead of it. As more people discover its benefits and joys, it will continue to grow in popularity and recognition. As more resources and opportunities become available for it, it will continue to improve in quality and competitiveness. As more innovations and developments occur for it, it will continue to adapt and evolve.
Pickleball is more than just a sport. It is a lifestyle, a passion, a movement. It is a sport for everyone and anyone who wants to have fun.
